For many international students graduating from Canadian post-secondary institutions, securing a job offer before graduation is not always a given. As you transition from being an international student to an international graduate, it’s important to be prepared for a fresh start in your job search. CIC News has put together some comprehensive tips and advice to help you navigate this process and increase your chances of landing your first job in Canada.
Research
When entering the job market as a new graduate, it’s common to feel uncertain about the exact role you want to pursue. To start off on the right foot, thorough research is essential. According to Indeed.com, a leading job search platform, research should be your first step. It helps you understand potential career paths and job opportunities available to you.
Strategies for Researching Job Opportunities:
- Search by Industry: Start by exploring the industry related to your field of study. For instance, if you’ve graduated with a degree in marketing, you can search for “types of jobs in the marketing industry.” This search will give you a broad view of various roles available in marketing and help you identify which positions might be of interest to you.
- Search by Degree: Another useful approach is to look for job listings that specify your degree level. For example, marketing graduates with a bachelor’s degree should search for “entry-level marketing jobs bachelor’s degree” on Google. This type of search often yields job postings that include the educational qualifications required, giving you a clearer picture of what employers are seeking.
By conducting these searches, you can start to identify job titles, required skills, and qualifications that are commonly sought after in your field. Additionally, reviewing current job postings will help you refine your resume and tailor it to match the job descriptions you’re interested in.
Exploring Potential Employers:
As you research job opportunities, take time to investigate potential employers. Look into companies you might want to work for and learn about their culture, values, and compensation packages. This information can be invaluable when you’re ready to apply, as it helps you target your applications to companies that align with your career goals and values.
Networking
Networking plays a crucial role in the job search process in Canada. It can provide access to job opportunities that are not publicly advertised and help you build valuable connections in your industry. HubSpot’s 2023 data underscores the importance of networking:
- LinkedIn Study (2020): Nearly 75% of respondents reported being hired through a connection or introduction made by someone they knew.
- Networking Survey (2022): About 42% of job seekers found their current jobs through networking activities such as referrals and informational interviews.
Networking not only helps you discover hidden job opportunities but also keeps you informed about industry trends and the broader job market in Canada. Engage in networking activities such as attending industry events, joining professional associations, and connecting with alumni from your program. Building a strong professional network can significantly enhance your job search efforts.
